NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2025

by | Feb 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2025

Check out the latest on Seth Jones plus updates on the Bruins and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON SETH JONES

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believed Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson must do right by his club if he trades Seth Jones. The 30-year-old defenseman said last week that he’d spoken with Davidson about the possibility of a trade to a contender.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Jones’ contract will be a significant obstacle. Few contenders can absorb his $9.5 million annual average value for the next five seasons while his full no-movement clause further limits Davidson’s trade option.

Lazerus claims Davidson has “absolutely no interest” in retaining up to half of Jones’ AAV. He also pointed out the Blackhawks need the blueliner’s cap hit on their books for at least the next couple of seasons to help them reach the cap minimum.

Meanwhile, Aaron Portzline mused about a possible reunion between Jones and the Blue Jackets, who trade the blueliner to the Blackhawks in the summer of 2021. Jones and Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski remain close, with Werenski saying he’d be open to his friend’s return to Columbus.

Portzline pointed out the Blue Jackets have plenty of salary cap room. He thinks the move could make sense if the Blackhawks were willing to retain a portion of Jones’ cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Lazerus, salary cap retention could be out of the question, especially if interested teams want Chicago to eat half ($4.75 million) of Jones’ AAV.

With the salary cap projected to rise significantly over the next three seasons, Davidson will likely give preference to contenders with the cap room to take on Jones’ full salary. However, the blueliner’s NMC is an additional complication.

A three-team swap is out if the Blackhawks don’t want to retain salary unless it involves moving Jones to another club that retains half his cap hit after flipping him to a third club. That leaves the possibility of the Blackhawks taking back salary in a Jones trade.

UPDATES ON THE BRUINS

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss reports Bruins GM Don Sweeney intends to take “a more cautious approach” as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

Sweeney was a consistent buyer in previous trade deadlines. However, the Bruins are sitting one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot but they’ve already played more games than the teams they’re chasing.

Goss believes it makes no sense for the Bruins to acquire rental players. If Sweeney decides to buy, it should be for those with term remaining on their contracts. It would also make sense to entertain trade offers for UFA-eligible players like Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau and pending restricted free agent Morgan Geekie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic and Brazeau could be goners by March 7. There’s no rush to move Geekie because the Bruins still control his rights beyond this season.

Geekie has played well on the top line with David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha and recently indicated he wants to remain a Bruin. That’ll depend on what he’s seeking in his next contract and if the Bruins are willing to pay it.

STURM EXPECTS A TRADE

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Felicia Keller reports Sharks forward Nico Sturm doesn’t expect to be with the club after March 7. “You’re a 29-year-old UFA with no extension in place,” he said. “You got to be realistic about it.”

Sturm said he’s spoken with Sharks GM Mike Grier, who said the team might be able to pick up a solid return for him. However, the possibility exists that Sturm could return to the Sharks this summer as an unrestricted free agent.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2025

by | Feb 23, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brayden Schenn, Seth Jones, Brock Boeser and Karel Vejmelka in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT WILL THE HURRICANES DO WITH MIKKO RANTANEN?

SPORTSNET: Elliott Friedman reports Mikko Rantanen could potentially become the biggest name leading up to the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Carolina Hurricanes acquired Rantanen last month from the Colorado Avalanche in a blockbuster three-team trade. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of his contract with a $9.25 million cap hit, of which the Hurricanes hold half ($4.625 million) and the Chicago Blackhawks the other half as part of the terms of the three-team deal. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

During the 4 Nations Face-Off, Hurricanes management met with Rantanen’s representatives. Friedman believes the Canes made an offer “into the nine digits” (over $10 million annually). Rantanen has yet to decide as he’s still processing the trade from the Avalanche and everything else since then. It shouldn’t be taken one way or the other.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

If Rantanen becomes available, interested teams want to ensure they have their best trade assets ready. Friedman also wondered if the Hurricanes are confident they can get Rantanen under contract after March 7 if they’ll keep him and attempt a Stanley Cup run.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers wonder if Rantanen is a good fit with the Hurricanes, citing his lack of production since joining the club.

Mark Lazerus of The Athletic disputes this, as does Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky. They point to his solid overall analytic numbers, and while his shooting percentage is down, it’s only a matter of time until that improves. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour is also pleased with Rantanen’s performance.

The Hurricanes obviously want to retain Rantanen, hence the rumored offer of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $14 million. However, he’s still trying to adjust to a significant change in his life that he wasn’t expecting, or at least, wasn’t expecting so soon.

TEAMS COULD TRY TO UNITE THE SCHENN BROTHERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman observed there’s been much recent trade talk about Brayden Schenn. Last week, the St. Louis Blues captain said he hasn’t been approached by management about waiving his no-trade clause and is trying not to think about it.

Friedman thinks there are teams talking about uniting Brayden with his brother Luke Schenn (who plays for the Nashville Predators) in separate trades. They previously played together with the Philadelphia Flyers from 2013 to 2016.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be an expensive acquisition. Brayden has three more seasons after this one with an AAV of $6.5 million while Luke has a year left on his deal with an AAV of $2.75 million.

The rising cap for next season would make it easier to take on over $9 million in combined salary. However, it won’t be easy to do leading up to this year’s trade deadline when only nine teams currently have over $10 million in cap space.

LATEST ON SETH JONES, BROCK BOESER AND KAREL VEJMELKA

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman followed up on Seth Jones’ recent comments about his openness toward the possibility of a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks. He doesn’t believe the 30-year-old defenseman has given them a list of destinations but if he does go, he wants it to be to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap space would be an issue. Jones carries an AAV of $9.5 million for the next five seasons. A deadline deal is possible if the Blackhawks retain up to half of his annual cap hit. Otherwise, it might be an offseason trade when teams have more cap room.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports contract talks remain at an impasse between the Vancouver Canucks and winger Brock Boeser. He considers it hard to imagine the Canucks not moving him before the March trade deadline since teams are willing to pay for a proven playoff performer.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance believes the Canucks could retain Boeser as an “own rental” for the playoffs unless they stumble in the standings leading up to March 7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks will seek a solid return for Boeser. Their preference could be for a good young NHL forward plus a draft pick and/or a prospect.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there are ongoing contract talks between the Utah Hockey Club and goaltender Karel Vejmelka. He suggested recent contract extensions for goaltenders could be used as comparables. “Depending on the progress of negotiations, Vejmelka is potentially an interesting trade target.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those comparables include Vancouver’s Kevin Lankinen (five years, $4.5 million AAV) and Colorado’s Mackenzie Blackwood (five years, $5.25 million AAV).










NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2025

by | Feb 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2025

Check out the latest on Seth Jones, Nick Robertson, and potential Rangers trade-deadline targets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli took note of the news out of Chicago indicating Seth Jones and his agent were discussing trade possibilities with Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. The 30-year-old defenseman hasn’t requested a trade but appears open to moving to a winner if the right opportunity arises.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Seravalli doesn’t believe Davidson’s phone is ringing off the hook with calls about Jones. He also pointed out the blueliner’s contract is difficult to move. He’s signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause.

The biggest question for interested teams is how much of Jones’ cap hit would the Blackhawks retain. Jones must present Davidson with a list of trade destinations. Since he wants to go to a winner, those teams usually have the most salary-cap issues.

Seravalli believes the Blackhawks could afford to carry half of Jones’ cap hit over the next five seasons if it’ll fetch them a significant return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The significant projected increases in the salary cap over the next three seasons could make it easier for the Blackhawks to retain part of Jones’ cap hit. PuckPedia shows them carrying over $36 million of cap space for 2025-26 with 17 roster players under contract. There’s enough room to retain $4.75 million annually going forward.

The Blackhawks could find a trade partner for Jones by the March 7 deadline but it might take a three-team swap to pull it off. They should have better luck in the offseason when more clubs are flush with cap room.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, James Mirtle was asked about Nick Robertson’s trade value. The 23-year-old forward is on a one-year, $875K contract and becomes a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

Mirtle observed that Robertson is a small offensive winger with 12 points in 47 games seeing sheltered minutes. He could become a salary-cap casualty at the trade deadline to create room if the Leafs attempt to add players at the trade deadline. Mirtle doesn’t see him fetching more than a fourth-rounder in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson was a hot topic for trade speculation last summer when he tried to force a trade by refusing to sign with the Leafs. He eventually inked his current deal before training camp opened last fall.

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Arthur Staple if he thinks the New York Rangers will try to add a third-line center or top-six winger by the March 7 trade deadline.

Staple doesn’t see Rangers GM Chris Drury going after a rental player like Ryan Donato. However, he thinks Drury would prefer adding a player who can be part of their future beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple mentioned Ryan McLeod of the Buffalo Sabres as an example if he becomes available. The 25-year-old center is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights carrying an AAV of $2.1 million on his current contract. He could also see the Rangers GM adding a pending UFA like Boston’s Trent Frederic if he can re-sign him.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2025

by | Feb 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2025

Could Seth Jones accept a trade from the Blackhawks? What’s the latest on the Avalanche? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SETH JONES AND BLACKHAWKS MANAGEMENT DISCUSS TRADE POSSIBILITY.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope reports Seth Jones talks with Chicago Blackhawks management about a possible trade. The 30-year-old defenseman hasn’t formally asked to be moved, but he and his agent Pat Brisson discussed that option with general manager Kyle Davidson.

“If it happens, it happens,” said Jones. “Obviously, while I’m here with the Blackhawks, they have my full effort (and) full attention to this team to try to get this team better.”

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Jones is in the third season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.5 million. The deal also has a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over possible trade destinations. He said he wants to give himself a chance to win, but admitted moving his contract won’t be easy for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger reported last month that teams called the Blackhawks about Jones. I dismissed that speculation because of his hefty contract.

Some teams could be willing to take the chance with the salary cap projected to increase significantly over the next three years. The rebuilding Blackhawks could be happy to get an affordable return (draft picks, prospects, young, cost-effective players) to get Jones’ big contract off their books.

Jones remains an effective, big-minute defenseman who could thrive with a contender but his contract remains difficult to move. Interested clubs will likely want the Blackhawks to retain part of Jones’ annual cap hit or take back a toxic contract in the deal. It could take a three-team trade to spread around his cap hit to make it work.

Sorting out Jones’ cap dollars is one thing. Finding suitable trade destinations is another. His NMC could significantly hamper efforts to move him.

Trading Jones seems more likely during the offseason when teams have more cap space. Nevertheless, we can’t dismiss the possibility that he gets moved by the March 7 trade deadline.

LATEST AVALANCHE SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau wonders if the Colorado Avalanche will make another splash in the trade market. They made a major move by shipping Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for Martin Necas and Jack Drury last month.

Proteau observed the Avalanche have over $4.76 million in projected trade deadline cap space. He believes they need depth on their third defense pairing and at forward.

THE DENVER POST: Sean Keeler believes the Avalanche could use another defenseman or two and help at center. However, they need clarity about the status of team captain Gabriel Landeskog, who is still attempting a comeback from the knee surgeries that have sidelined him since the Avs won the Stanley Cup in 2022.

Keeler also noted the Avalanche’s projected trade deadline cap space. He pointed out that reactivating Landeskog and his $7 million AAV would force them to move another player to become cap-compliant.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Avs become buyers for rental players before the trade deadline, it could signal that Landeskog’s attempt comeback is over, at least for this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2025

by | Jan 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2025

Should the Blackhawks trade for Elias Pettersson or move out Seth Jones? What the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Ryan O’Reilly and John Klingberg? What’s going on with the Devils, Jets and Blues? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believes the Chicago Blackhawks should do everything they can to acquire Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks.

Lazerus noted the Blackhawks need to bring in help for young franchise star Connor Bedard. He believes the 26-year-old playmaking center could fit in well with the rebuilding ‘Hawks, suggesting they have the pieces to make a competitive trade offer to the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks also have the cap space to absorb Pettersson’s contract with its $11.6 million annual average value through 2031-32. He’s the right age to play a long-term active role with their young players.

Pettersson’s no-movement clause begins on July 1. Whether the Blackhawks will take up Lazerus’ advice before then remains to be seen.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports teams are calling the Blackhawks about Seth Jones. The 30-year-old defenseman is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $9.5 million and has a full no-movement clause.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Dreger said Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson isn’t shopping Jones. Nevertheless, teams are inquiring about his availability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those teams likely want Davidson to retain half of that cap hit or to take back an expensive contract. Another option would be to involve a third team to spread the cap hit around. This could become an offseason move assuming Jones agrees to be traded.

CONTRACT TALKS STALLED BETWEEN THE AVALANCHE AND RANTANEN.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting contract extension talks between the Colorado Avalanche and winger Mikko Rantanen have reached an impasse.

Seravalli claims the Rantanen camp seeks a contract in the range of the $14 million annual cap hit the Edmonton Oilers will be paying Leon Draisaitl starting next season. Avalanche management prefers the 28-year-old winger sign something close to teammate Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million AAV.

The Avalanche have no interest in trading Rantanen if he’s not signed by the March 7 trade deadline. Contract talks are expected to resume following the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in early February.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers suggested the Avalanche might put Rantanen on the trade block before the deadline. This report should bring those rumors to an end. If the Avalanche hope to stage a Stanley Cup run this spring they need Rantanen in the lineup.

PREDATORS LISTENING ON O’REILLY BUT AREN’T SHOPPING HIM

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators aren’t actively shopping Ryan O’Reilly. The 33-year-old two-way center has two seasons left on his contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Given their placement in the standings, the Predators have no choice but to listen to trade proposals provided teams are wasting their time with low-ball offers. O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection but the Preds are treating him like he has a full no-movement clause, leaving the final decision up to him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: “So, you’re saying there’s a chance…” Seriously, it’s unlikely anyone will come up with a suitable offer that will make O’Reilly agree to be traded, and the Predators seem fine about that. Still, stranger things have happened.

SEVERAL TEAMS INTERESTED IN KLINGBERG

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Dallas Stars are among several teams interested in John Klingberg. The 32-year-old defenseman is attempting to resume his NHL career after undergoing a hip resurfacing procedure in December 2023.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Barden cites TSN’s Bob McKenzie reporting a decision about Klingberg could come within the next two days. He said the Oilers, Stars and Leafs are very much in the mix.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes it’s a long shot the Leafs will gamble again on Klingberg. It would cost them a roster spot and Kypreos doesn’t see them moving Klingberg ahead of Philippe Myers or Conor Timmins. He thinks the Oilers have a more pressing need for him.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports the Oilers are kicking tires on Klingberg. He speculates the cost of signing the blueliner would be a one-year, prorated deal worth $800K. Matheson believes the Stars need a puck-moving rearguard like Klingberg more than the Oilers, who need another physical Mattias Ekholm-type defender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klingberg began his NHL career with the Stars and spent his best seasons with them. They have limited cap space right now which would make him an affordable fit. However, they’re expected to spend big in the trade market when they place Tyler Seguin and his $9.85 million AAV on long-term injury reserve.

DEVILS INTERESTED IN A CENTER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald would like to add a center to his roster before the March 7 trade deadline. He wouldn’t reveal which players he’s targeting but he will be assessing his options. LeBrun noted that Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly, Seattle’s Yanni Gourde and Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton (who’s played mostly on the wing this season) are among the notable names in the rumor mill.

UPDATES ON THE JETS AND BLUES

Darren Dreger speculates the Winnipeg Jets might not need to go shopping for a center before the March 7 trade deadline. They like what they’ve seen of captain Adam Lowry filling in for sidelined Vladislav Namestnikov as a second-line center. They could have the flexibility to pursue the best forward available if they stay healthy.

Dreger reports that St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong has told his players that he expects a better effort from them this month. He’s not making threats but has let them know he could shake things up if things don’t improve soon. The Blues are currently battling for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 21, 2024

by | Nov 21, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 21, 2024

Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho sets a franchise record, shutout victories for the Leafs, Sabres and Kraken, injury updates and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho set a franchise record for game-winning goals in a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Aho netted his 58th career game-winner, surpassing Ron Francis for the most in team history. He and teammate Jalen Chatfield each finished with two points as the Hurricanes (14-4-0) took over first place in the Eastern Conference with 28 points. Ryan Poehling replied for the Flyers.

Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (NHL Images).

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll turned in a 31-save performance to shut out the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0. Rookie forward Fraser Minten opened the scoring with his first career NHL goal. William Nylander and Pontus Holmberg also scored for the Leafs and Mitch Marner collected two assists. Adin Hill stopped 23 shots for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a costly win for the Leafs as forward Matthew Knies left the game in the second period following a high hit from Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud. There was no postgame update regarding Knies’ condition. Whitecloud was initially assessed a five-minute major but that was rescinded upon review. Instead, he got a two-minute penalty for roughing Leafs defenseman Samuel Benoit in the ensuing scrum.

Speaking of injuries, the Leafs placed forward Max Domi (lower body) on injured reserve.

The Buffalo Sabres blanked the Los Angeles Kings 1-0 as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen turned in a 24-save shutout. Jason Zucker scored the only goal. Kings netminder David Rittich turned aside 18 shots.

Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord kicked out 24 shots in a 3-0 shutout of the Nashville Predators. Daniel Sprong, Brandon Montour and Yanni Gourde were the goalscorers and Chandler Stephenson collected three assists. Juuse Saros stopped 33 shots for the Predators, who received a bench minor penalty 43 seconds into the game for submitting an incorrect starting lineup to officials.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is just another symptom of a season that’s going horribly wrong for the Predators. Meanwhile, the Kraken completed their six-game homestand with a record of 5-1-0. Speaking of the Kraken, rookie forward Shane Wright was a healthy scratch for the second straight game after netting two points in 18 games.

The Dallas Stars defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-2. Jason Robertson had a goal and two assists while Roope Hintz and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist for the Stars, who’ve won four of their last five games. Mikael Granlund had a goal and an assist for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defensemen Ilya Lyubushkin, Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist left the game with injuries. Lyubushkin and Harley returned to action but Lundkvist did not.

HEADLINES

BLEACHER NATION: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones will be sidelined with an injured foot for four weeks.

TSN: Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine skated with his teammate in practice for the first time since being sidelined by a sprained left knee during a preseason game in September. Laine wore a non-contact jersey and left the ice after 15 minutes. He’s expected to make his season debut with the Canadiens sometime in December.

RG.ORG: Speaking of the Canadiens, don’t expect to see promising prospect Ivan Demidov make his NHL debut later this season. His KHL team, SKA St. Petersburg, has no intention of terminating the 18-year-old winger’s contract if their season ends before the Canadiens’. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Demidov’s KHL contract won’t expire until May 31. Canadiens fans will have to wait for next season to potentially get their first look at the Russian winger in a Habs jersey.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. They’ve recalled netminder Jaxson Stauber from the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners on an emergency basis.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom underwent minor back surgery to address a herniated lumbar disc. He and the club remain hopeful he’ll return to action with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. The Blue Jackets chose Lindstrom fourth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Blue Jackets, they sent defenseman David Jiricek to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland to make room for center Kent Johnson to be activated from injured reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jiricek’s demotion has made him the subject of trade speculation. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumors update.